Circus mass ends Vatican jubilee

Entertainers of every kind were welcomed to the mass in St Peter's Square

By David Willey in Rome

Pope John Paul II has presided over the last special event of the Catholic Church's Jubilee celebrations, with a mass devoted to the world of entertainment.

Actors, film directors, funfair workers, jugglers and circus and mime artists were among thousands of people attending the mass in St Peter's Square.

It was a far cry from the controversy of the day before, when marchers clashed with police as they sought to protest against a visit to the Vatican by far-right Austrian politician Joerg Haider.

Even the cold couldn't dampen the mood

In his homily, the Pope called on actors and artists to set positive examples for their audiences which could inspire trust, optimism and hope.

"Healthy entertainment is good for body and soul," the Pope said.

He greeted some well-known Italian movie actors, including Alberto Sordi, who began his film career back in the 1950s.

Keen amateur

The Pope himself took part in amateur theatricals in his student days.

Jugglers from Italian circus Belucci perform after the mass

After the mass the Pope watched a short performance by jugglers and marching bands.

During the Millennium celebrations the Vatican has organised special events for practically every profession and category - politicians, policemen, the young, the old, the sick and handicapped, doctors, journalists, farmers, fashion designers, even pizza-makers.

Opened every 25 years

The administrative machine set up at the Vatican to organise these events and arrange lodging and transport for the millions of Catholic pilgrims who flocked to Rome during this holy year has functioned well.

More than 20 million people have so far passed through the holy door in St Peter's Basilica, which is opened only once every 25 years.

The Vatican's Jubilee celebrations continue over Christmas and the New Year, and the holy door will be closed and walled up on 6 January.